Author Topic: short mag 338 (Read 1131 times)

ms · « **on:** May 14, 2004, 12:52:33 PM »

Will the 338 come out in short magnum? :wink:

Lawdog · « **Reply #1 on:** May 14, 2004, 01:18:04 PM »

ms,

Winchester did a survey on which cartridge that hunters/shooters would like to see next. The number 2 vote getter was the .338 WSM. It was right behind the .257 WSM but Winchester crossed everyone when they came out with the .25 WSSM instead. Of course Winchester has crossed up hunters/shooters before. Like when they came out with the .300 Win. Mag. that was a different case than the one used for the .264 and .338 Win. Mag.. A lot of us had already built up rifles for the .30-338 figuring that is what Winchester would come out with. Wrong Winchester used a different case altogether. I for one am looking forward to Winchester coming out with the .338 WSM, I believe it would be a good seller. Small groups and tight lines to you. Lawdog

Greg Zeilinger · « **Reply #2 on:** July 05, 2004, 05:26:20 PM »

@ms.
I've to agree with Lawdog,a 338 would be a sane choice to be next in a short mag.I've just recently talked to a Winchester rep.and he was quite certain a 338 would be very feasable in the near future,so one can only hope.Even one in 375 would be something i'd like to see.Happy hunting and shooting.

Buckeye · « **Reply #3 on:** July 17, 2004, 12:18:11 PM »

I hope you guys are right,i'd like to have a BLR in 338 WSM,I'd rather have a 358 WSM or a 375 wsm ,but that would be to good to be true.

Buckeye

Buckeye · « **Reply #4 on:** July 17, 2004, 12:38:46 PM »

I wonder how a 375 WSM, would compare to a .376 Steyr ??

Buckeye

Jim n Iowa · « **Reply #5 on:** July 18, 2004, 01:25:55 PM »

Lawdog
As a long time owner of a 338 mag, whose primary use is coyotes in Iowa at zero or below weather, in the wind(are you feeling for me yet?) Is my old rifle out paced and obsolete by these short mag's? Love the gun, waiting to win the lottery to go on a big game hunt.
Jim

Con · « **Reply #6 on:** July 19, 2004, 01:25:42 AM »

Guys,
Personally I believe that the WSMs have run their course. When Winchester released the 300WSM, matching the 300WinMag (almost) in a short actioned rifle, that was novel and exciting. The 270WSM beat the 270Winchester and tread close to the 270Weatherby in a short action... that was a very useful gain. The 7mmWSM matches closely the 7mmRemMag and has not been greeted with as much enthusiasm. When Winchester blundered and released the 25WSSM rather than the 25WSM then I feel the momentum was lost. A 25WSM that matched the 257 Weatherby in a cheaper rifle would have been a sensation, but with the release of the 257Weatherby in the Vanguard, Winchester will never be able to chamber and release a 25WSM without stiff commercial opposition. For all intents and purposes the WSMs have done their job and slain the Rem SAUMs. If Winchester wanted to make a point, they'd release a 35WSM and put the final nail in the coffin of Remington's 350RM and the Whelen. But... a big bore would never be as popular as a small bore so I doubt it will ever happen. To release a 338WSM is superfluous, it will match a cartridge that has done a sterling job for over 30 years, shooters want something more, not just a rehash of an existing cartridge. Now a 338WSM or 35WSM in a modern Winchester lever or semi-auto action might be novel enough to sell some rifles.
Cheers...
Con

Lawdog · « **Reply #7 on:** July 19, 2004, 08:34:15 AM »

Jim n Iowa,

Seeing that you already have a .338 Win. Mag. and you are happy with it no way would I ever recommend you sell it to buy something new. But if you ARE in the market for a certain caliber cartridge(like a new 7mm magnum) then you would be foolish not to look at the 7mm WSM cartridge. Unlike Con I don't believe we have seen the end of the WSM or WSSM cartridges. Winchester is selling way to many of both to ever quit designing more. I do believe that Winchester missed the boat about the .25 WSSM but it to is selling. Winchester went against their own poll when they didn't bring out the .257 WSM(Winchester may still bring it out) as it along with the .338 WSM were the top vote gatherers. Due to their design these cartridges are proving to be inherently more accurate, Rifle actions are stiffer adding to the accuracy. Winchester has a good thing going and I dont foresee the end very soon or at all. Lawdog

Buckeye · « **Reply #8 on:** July 19, 2004, 10:51:07 AM »

I like the Idea of a more power in a smaller, lighter ,shorter,as powerful or more powerful gun, is a great concept.
Thats why I have a Marlin GG, & a 7 3/4 lb. 20in. barreled .375 H&H, power and compact goes togather really well.

Thats why I like to see a .375 WSM in a BLR. Or a Compact Ruger ,Oh yeah, in a 16in. barrel 5.5 lb. carbine.

Buckeye

kombi1976 · « **Reply #9 on:** July 21, 2004, 07:59:58 PM »

It's interesting that all of these comments have been made about both the .338 WSM and the .257 WSM. Without doubt, there must be shooters out there already chambering and forming cases for these wildcats.

Obviously the boat has sailed on the .257 WSSM but one wonders whether Remington may pay attention to the grumbles and release a .257 SAUM. It would be an interesting proposition in a Model 3400. It certainly would have competition from the Weatherby though, especially since the Vanguard was recently released in .257 Wby.

I think though, that the .338 WSM, as many have commented, is the real dark horse. With the right sort of marketing it may even become an alternative to the .338 Win Mag. Surely it would make an amazing target round, even perhaps a tactical round.

As far as a .358 WSM goes I think it's generally agreed that while .35 cal rounds are very efficient they aren't traditionally that popular in magnum cartridges.

And the venerable .375 H&H will still take a lot of beating. It isn't known as a target round but one wonders how much effect necking a WSM case to .375 cal will have on the sharp shoulder angle advantage.